Santa Rosa, the seat of Sonoma County, has a population of 175,269 and continues to grow steadily. The 28th most populous city in California, it is close to the busy 101 freeway and nearby San Francisco and other large cities in the Bay Area. Boasting a bustling tourism industry nearby in wine country, its freeways and local roads are heavily traveled not only by residents and commuters, but by people flocking to enjoy the area’s local activities and vineyards. With the large commuting population and the influx of people eager to enjoy local diversions, it is no surprise car accidents are an all too common occurrence in and around Santa Rosa – accidents which can result in catastrophic injuries or fatalities and entitle you to compensation.
Car Accident Facts and Figures in Santa Rosa
The Office of Traffic Safety’s latest statistics from 2016 show 1,196 people were injured or killed on Santa Rosa’s roads that year – over 1/3 of the 3,363 injuries and fatalities in all of Sonoma County. A large freeway nearby, heavy commuting traffic, proximity to heavily populated San Francisco, and a thriving tourism industry all contribute to crowded roadways and require extra vigilance from drivers. Unfortunately, even driving with care and awareness are not enough to prevent all car accidents.
Most car accidents are due to driver error or other unsafe behavior occurring behind the wheel of a vehicle. Accidents are commonly caused by:
- Intoxicated driving;
- Distracted driving behaviors such as texting while driving;
- Tailgating;
- Not following posted speed limits;
- Unsafe driving speeds for poor weather conditions or in poor visibility;
- Improper turns; and
- Unsafe lane changes.
These and other unsafe driving behaviors contribute to numerous car accidents in and around Santa Rosa – accidents which can result in profound, catastrophic, life-changing consequences and injuries for those involved. If you were injured in a Santa Rosa car accident, you should speak to an experienced car accident attorney right away to see if you may be entitled to compensation.
What to Do After a Santa Rosa Car Accident
Even though it may sound overwhelming, if you are involved in a car accident in Santa Rosa it’s important for you to do a few things as soon as you can to look after your health and preserve your legal rights and claims.
- Get medical help – seek medical evaluation and treatment even if you do not believe you were injured. Some injuries do not present symptoms for days or even weeks after they occur. Follow treatment plans, take medicine exactly as prescribed, and attend all follow-up appointments.
- Notify law enforcement – cooperate with the police and get a copy of the police report.
- Collect helpful information – if possible, photograph the accident and get the contact information of any witnesses.
- Keep records – they can help establish fault and substantiate many types of harms you suffered. Records may include paystubs, receipts, insurance reports, police reports, bills, and company if you or another driver were using a work vehicle at the time of the accident.
- Contact a Santa Rosa car accident attorney – you may be entitled to compensation for injuries caused by someone else’s negligence. California has a 2-year statute of limitations from your injury date to file a personal injury claim; otherwise you will be permanently barred from pursuing compensation in court.
Pursuing and Recovering Damages in Personal Injury and Wrongful Death Claims
Car accidents in Santa Rosa often result in severe injuries that can cost exorbitant amounts of money in medical bills, medications, and long-term rehabilitation. Common injuries victims seek compensation for include broken bones, trauma to the neck and spinal cord, whiplash, head injuries, and traumatic brain injuries.
The most common avenue victims use to seek compensation from the party responsible for their injuries is through personal injury claims alleging negligence. Once you satisfy the legal elements establishing another party acted negligently and caused your injuries, they are liable for your losses unless they can raise a valid legal defense. Some damages may reflect concrete, quantifiable harms you suffered such as:
- Medical bills,
- Property damage, and
- Lost wages or lost future earning potential.
Damages may also be awarded by a judge or jury for more abstract harms that do not have a fixed price tag. Emotional and psychological harms often compensated for include:
- Emotional distress,
- Disfigurement,
- Pain and suffering, and
- Loss of consortium.
For wrongful death claims, the survivors of a deceased victim receive damage awards that will help them meet unexpected financial burdens caused by the sudden absence of their loved one. Survivors may recover for:
- Funerals and burial expenses,
- Medical expenses, and
- Lost earnings they expected to receive from their loved one.
Establishing negligence and defeating arguments raised by the defendant can be complex, tricky tasks – which is why it is wise to consult a Santa Rosa personal injury attorney with extensive experience handling car accident claims as soon as possible.
Speak to A Santa Rosa Car Accident Attorney
If you were hurt or a loved one was killed in a Santa Rosa car accident, contact the skilled personal injury attorneys at Daneshrad Law right away. Santa Rosa car accident attorney Alan Daneshrad has years of experience representing injury victims just like you and helping them recover millions of dollars in damages for their injuries through personalized, aggressive advocacy. We believe you should be able to focus on the healing process as our skilled attorneys work diligently to gather evidence, prove your claim, and recover well-deserved damages on your behalf.
If you have decided you want to pursue compensation through the legal system, the attorneys at Daneshrad Law have the experience, the knowledge, and the personal touch you want when looking for an attorney to litigate your Santa Rosa car accident. Contact us at (888) 881-3529 or complete our online case evaluation page to set up your initial case review today. There is no obligation and the consultation is free – you pay nothing until we win your case. Let our experienced attorneys review the unique circumstances of your case and help you recover the compensation you deserve to get your life back on track.
